Media
Public-private collaboration between BASF and UKM to combat dengue
Joint Media Release
- UKM and BASF sign agreement to roll out “Banteras Aedes Bersama BASF” program
- Road show and educational materials to drive public awareness and dengue prevention measures
Bangi, Malaysia – February 28, 2019 – BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will enter into a strategic collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in an effort to combat dengue in Malaysia through the “Banteras Aedes Bersama BASF” (“Defeat Dengue with BASF”) program.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was today signed at the Bangunan Canselori, UKM Bangi by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Imran Ho Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Mr. Goh Eng Leong, Managing Director of BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Head of Malaysia-Singapore Business Area. The event was witnessed by representatives from local councils and government agencies.
According to the MoA, the two organizations will commit to a common cause to drive public awareness and encourage positive actions to curb dengue. Leveraging their respective expertise, BASF and UKM will jointly produce public educational materials on best practices including the proper use of larvicide to eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. A road show to dengue hotspots around Selangor will be organized to share effective dengue preventive measures among the public.
According to national statistics, ongoing efforts to combat dengue have led a gradual reduction. However, in 2018, the Ministry of Health reported a total of 80,615 dengue cases, with 147 deaths. Within the first three weeks of January 2019, dengue cases increased to more than 3,000, with 16 deaths recorded[1]
UKM is pleased to collaborate with BASF to support national efforts to tackle dengue in Malaysia. We believe that the ‘Banteras Aedes Bersama BASF’ program will result in positive outcomes as we broaden our reach to more dengue hotspots and interface directly with the public to drive home the important message of jointly combating dengue. It is our hope to also engage with other stakeholders including local councils and government agencies to jointly tackle this health issue,” said Prof. Dato’ Dr. Imran.
Goh said "BASF is pleased to partner with UKM, to realize our commitment to improving public health throught ths dengue program. We are confident that the 'Banterad Aedes Bersama BASF' program will demonstrate the effectiveness of joint efforts to prevent mosquito breeding grounds and reduce dengue in Malaysia."
Prior to the official MoA signing, a series of pilot projects around Selangor were conducted by UKM’s Biomedicine students. The first took place at Presint 9, Putrajaya, followed by Apartment Damansara Damai, Kepong and Apartment Fasa 6 Bandar Tasik Kesuma, Semenyih. The positive impact from these initiatives resulted in the “Banteras Aedes Bersama BASF” program.
The first event of the road show will take place in April 2019, with the collaboration of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), while two more events in the road show will be conducted in the second half of the year.
The main highlight at the roadshows will be an “Explorace” where participants will work in teams to compete in eliminating as many Aedes mosquito breeding grounds as possible. This will be complemented by knowledge sharing and video presentations to drive greater understanding on measures to curb dengue outbreaks.
For more information about the “Banteras Aedes Bersama BASF” program, please email Haziq bin Mohd Hamdan at mohd-haziq-asyraf.mohd-hamdan@basf.com.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
About UKM
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) reach stretches far beyond the traditional classroom and transcends borders. The frontier research the university’s experts conduct, nurtures and provides solutions to pressing problems while engagement with the community and industry strives for sustainable development both at the national and international levels.
Established on May 18, 1970, UKM has successfully produced about 200,000 intellectuals and scholars who are among the nation’s pride. Starting out with only three faculties, it has since grown into 13 faculties and 13 research institutes of excellence. It has thus grown not just in size, but also stature, becoming a research institute in various fields of study including operating various research centres. UKM visualises itself as an institution which is constantly referred to, respected and renowned. While 2018 has undoubtedly been a great year for UKM, the university envisions the future to be prosperous and filled with bigger achievements. The years ahead at UKM are exciting and challenging. Come and join us in meeting these challenges that develop personal attributes, enhance professional qualifications, boost entrepreneurial skills, and groom leaders of tomorrow.
